Tropical Storm Greg (1996)

In the middle of December, two low-latitude monsoon troughs were located in the extreme western Pacific Ocean, well associated with a strong westerly wind burst that would spawn the system that would be Tropical Storm Fern and itself in the Northern Hemisphere. The second trough which was located in the Southern Hemisphere, will also generate cloudiness in the Australian region that would also spawn three systems in the basin: namely Ophelia, Phil and Fergus. The forward motion of Greg also increased, before reaching its peak intensity of and a minimum barometric pressure reading of 1002 hPa (29.59 inHg) that time. Unusual formation Tropical cyclones making landfall in Malaysia are extremely rare. Only Greg, Vamei of 2001, and Senyar of 2025 had only significant effects in the country, since reliable records began. With these factors blocking the northeast monsoon to the east, the strong pattern of winds from the south helped Greg to take an eastward track. Adding on, the large circulation of developing Fern to its northeast were hypothesized as another reason for the system's east-southeastward motion as it started to dissipate. == Preparations ==

Hours prior to Greg moving ashore, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) issued subsequent warnings of heavy rainfall and strong winds to the territory of Labuan and western Sabah, all in Malaysia. Some fishermen were also advised to stay away from rough seas caused by the storm. == Impact ==

The effects of Greg in Sabah were catastrophic. Its state government sustained damages, worth RM 130 million ($31,574, 2021 USD). Many buildings and infrastructures were either destroyed or sustained damages. Trees and electricity poles were downed due to the strong winds, while many roads were flooded. Total deaths from Greg were counted to be 238, while 102 more persons were rendered missing. The impacts of Greg were separated by divisions, as follows: West Coast Division Kota Kinabalu In the capital of Sabah, some residents reported that the roofs of hundreds of houses were torn and some trees were downed due to high winds. Billboard scraps and garbages were also scattered and dispersed throughout the roads. In addition, the roof of the said stadium were blown away by the strong winds from Greg. Another newly built school, namely the Sekolah Kebangsaan Darau, sustained a roof damage. In the small town of Tamparuli, six schools reported damages; these are the SK Saradan, SK Pekan Tamparuli, SK Rungus, SK Lingga Baru, SK Guakon and SMK Pekan Tamparuli. Some fishing boats were either destroyed or stranded while the others sunk through the rough seas caused by the storm. No deaths were reported in the area. Inner Division == Aftermath ==

Greg was the last storm of 1996 == See also ==